How long is the program?
The PhD program requires a minimum of four full-time pre-internship years. In addition, students must complete a one-year internship. Six years is the average length of study. Students are eligible to apply for internship after passing their qualifying examinations, completing the majority of their coursework, and receiving approval of their dissertation proposal.
When does clinical training begin for PhD students?
PhD students typically begin their clinical training in the beginning of their second year. While students are not required to complete a practicum during their first year, some students choose to pursue clinical training experiences through the RFU Interprofessional Community Clinic (ICC), starting as early as winter of their first year. Students should have a conversation with their advisor and the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) to decide whether they will pursue any clinical training experiences during their first year.
What is the cost for attending the PhD program?
Since Fall 2021, all students entering the PhD program receive a 100% tuition waiver. However, students will still be required to pay fees required by the University. Please visit the Psychology Costs & Fees Information page for specific details.
What type of funding is available to PhD students?
Department assistantships are available for PhD students, and these assistantships support research-related work with the student’s primary mentor, as well as teaching-related efforts within the department. Department assistantship amounts may vary each year, but typically are no less than $10,000 for 8 hours/week during the year. As some faculty are able to provide additional funding to students, we recommend asking individual faculty members about potential opportunities for funding in their labs. Offer letters for admission will include specific details on funding expectations.
When should I apply?
Each year, our application cycle opens in early September and closes in early December. Our home page will be updated each year in August with specific dates.
Can I reach out to or meet with faculty before applying or interviewing?
So we can remain unbiased in the review of applications and to be equitable across all applicants, it is our department’s policy to not have general information meetings with individual applicants before our PhD Interview Day. Please use the information available on faculty pages to find out about faculty interests and research. However, if you are unable to find information that may influence your decision to apply to work with a faculty member, faculty are more than happy to respond to brief questions by email.
Are you able to waive application fees?
No, we are unable to waive application fees. All applicants to the PhD program are required to submit a $75, non-refundable application fee.
If I submit my unofficial transcripts when applying, will my application still be reviewed?
Yes, submitting unofficial transcripts will not prevent your application review. Please be aware that RFUCAS may identify your application as incomplete since only official transcripts are verified by RFUCAS. We do strongly recommend that you submit official transcripts as a part of your application to reduce potential delays in review. .
Do I have to take the General or Advanced Psychology GRE for the application?
The GRE is no longer required for application or admission to the PhD program.
What happens after I apply?
Each year, highly qualified applicants will be emailed by mid-January with an invitation for our PhD Interview Day. Our PhD Interview Days are held virtually through Zoom in late January to early February. Offers for admission are extended individually by faculty members beginning in mid-February.
For the 2025-2026 application cycle, interview notifications will be sent by the end of December; and our Interview Days are tentatively scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2025, and Friday, January 31, 2025.
Can I visit RFUMS in-person before applying to see the department and campus?
To be equitable across all applicants, we do not offer opportunities through the Psychology Department for individuals to visit in-person prior to Interview Day. Instead, applicants are encouraged to attend the institution-wide Open House coordinated by RFUMS typically in October. The Open House will offer prospective applicants the opportunity to see RFUMS in-person, and includes informational sessions, campus tours, and an overview of the Psychology Department PhD and MS programs. Additionally, RFUMS also hosts in-person Information Sessions every other week on Thursdays at the RFUMS campus from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT. While these sessions do not involve the Psychology Department, each session will provide a general overview of the university as well as offer small group meetings with an RFUMS admissions counselor.
If I receive an offer of admission, can I visit RFUMS in-person before making my final decision?
Yes, individuals who are made an offer are welcome to coordinate with their faculty of interest to arrange a visit to RFUMS. If you are interested in visiting RFUMS before you accept an offer, please notify your faculty of interest as soon as possible.
When do classes start?
Our university operates on a quarter system. Classes begin at the start of the fall quarter in mid-August. New students must also attend an orientation during the week before the fall quarter begins. Orientation attendance is mandatory for all new students.
How successful are PhD students with securing an APA-accredited internship?
The pre-doctoral internship match rate for our PhD program has been 100% since 2016. Our students continue to match at competitive sites, including recently at Rush University Medical Center, Palo Alto VA and Healthcare System, Oregon Health and Science University, and Hines VA. An extended list of internship placements can be viewed in our Curriculum Overview. Please also view our Student Admissions, Outcomes, & Other Data page for specific details on Internship Placement.
Is the program nationally ranked?
Our continual APA accreditation, high internship match rate, the success of our graduates, and our reputation, speak to the quality of our program. Although you might consider national rankings in your decision to apply for graduate school, the national Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology has expressed reservations about the methodology used by any national ranking system.
Can I transfer into the program?
The College of Health Professions does not accept transfer students. On a unique case-by-case basis, the Psychology Department will review graduate coursework to award credit once an applicant has been accepted and matriculated into the program. Please view the student for full information about transfer credit policies and procedures.
How can I get in touch with the RFUMS Admissions Office?
Email us: grad.admissions@
Call us: 847-578-3204